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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs

Developers who craft the brains of robotic systems. From low-level control to high-level decision-making, these engineers are at the heart of robotics innovation.

Open roles
6
Salary range
£40k – £96k
Hiring companies
6
View 6 live roles → Get an alert

Robotics Software Engineers are the architects of robotic intelligence. They design, develop, and implement the software that enables robots to perceive their environment, make decisions, and execute tasks autonomously. These roles are found in a variety of settings, from research-heavy startups to large-scale industrial automation firms, and often involve working with cutting-edge technologies like ROS (Robot Operating System), machine learning, and computer vision.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Robotics Software Engineer

A typical week for a Robotics Software Engineer is a mix of coding, testing, and collaboration with hardware and mechanical engineers.

  1. 01
    Design and implement algorithms for robot perception and control.
  2. 02
    Write and test code for robotic systems using ROS and other frameworks.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate software with hardware.
  4. 04
    Conduct simulations and real-world testing to validate system performance.
  5. 05
    Document code and processes for future reference and team collaboration.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and developments in robotics and AI.
Salary on the board

£40k – £96k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 14 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
23% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
44
100
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 17 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
76%
C++
65%
ROS2
47%
Robotics
35%
ROS
29%
Docker
29%
Path Planning
24%
Linux
24%
Version Control
18%
Computer Vision
18%
Kinematics
18%
Motion Planning
18%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for robotics software engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Robotics Software Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the development and testing of robotic software, focusing on learning and contributing to small-scale projects.

  2. Level 2

    Robotics Software Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Own the development of specific modules or subsystems, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Robotics Software Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of complex robotic systems, mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation within the team.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Robotics Software Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Oversee the entire software development lifecycle, from concept to deployment, and guide strategic technical decisions for the organisation.

Pathway

How to become a Robotics Software Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Basics

    Gain foundational knowledge in robotics, programming, and control systems through formal education or self-study.

  2. 2

    Gain Practical Experience

    Participate in internships, hackathons, or personal projects to apply your skills and build a portfolio of work.

  3. 3

    Specialise in a Domain

    Focus on a specific area of robotics, such as perception, motion planning, or human-robot interaction, to deepen your expertise.

  4. 4

    Join a Robotics Team

    Work in a professional setting, contributing to the development of robotic systems and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

  5. 5

    Lead Projects

    Take on leadership roles, managing the development of complex robotic systems and mentoring junior engineers.

  6. 6

    Influence Strategy

    Shape the technical direction of your organisation, driving innovation and strategic decision-making in robotics.

Live jobs

6 live roles

Autodiscovery logo
Featured

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

2 weeks ago

Autodiscovery Wantage

Lead the design and deployment of autonomous robotic systems, owning software architecture across perception, planning and control. Work spans prototyping, simulation and field testing, integrating with hardware teams while mentoring engineers and shaping technical roadmaps. Requires depth in C++, ROS2, SLAM and real-time systems.

On-site Permanent

Robotics Software Engineer

Last week

Unipart Cambridge £58,000 pa

Develops and tests onboard software for Autonomous Mobile Robots and the fleet management system, including vision processing, localisation and multi-robot path planning. The role combines ROS 2 and C++/Python development with hardware interfacing over CANopen, serial and Ethernet, plus on-site support for live operations at Nuneaton.

Permanent

Robotics Software Engineer - C++ ROS2

Last month

Redline Group Cambridge £55,000 – £75,000 pa

Design and develop software for advanced robotic platforms using C++ and ROS2 in an Agile environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to test, debug, and validate robotic systems, with occasional on-site support and field travel. Work within a tech-for-good startup focused on innovation in robotics.

Hybrid Permanent

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

2 weeks ago

Arden Resourcing Oxford £80,000 – £100,000 pa

Designs and builds robotics software covering autonomous navigation, perception, motion planning and control, taking projects from concept through simulation, testing and deployment. Works closely with hardware, electronics and mechanical engineers, mentors junior staff and contributes to software architecture and technology strategy. Requires C++/Python, ROS/ROS2 and real-time robotics simulation experience.

Senior Software Engineer - Robotics

2 days ago

TTP Cambridge

Hands-on role designing, building and testing software for a cell therapy manufacturing platform, spanning mobile robot interfaces, factory control, automation and orchestration. You'll deploy onto physical systems, run integration tests with robots and bioprocess equipment, and debug issues at the software-hardware boundary while mentoring other engineers.

Permanent

Drone Firmware Software Dev Engineer, Ring Robotics Platform Engineering

Last month

Amazon Cambridge

Core member of a robotics platform team building foundational embedded software for autonomous and flying robots. Day to day involves writing high-quality C/C++ for Ring devices, specifying and implementing embedded subsystem behaviour, and implementing control algorithms for autonomous systems, working closely with applied science, software and electronics engineers to squeeze maximum compute performance from device hardware.

Permanent
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Cambridge

Location
4 open

Oxford

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • C++, Python, and ROS (Robot Operating System) are widely used in the field. Knowledge of these languages is highly beneficial.

  • A strong foundation in robotics is crucial, but relevant experience in software development, control systems, and machine learning can also be valuable.

  • Working hours can vary, but many roles follow a standard 9-to-5 schedule. However, project deadlines and testing phases may require occasional overtime.

  • Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and company size. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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